About The Aids Orphanage & Hospice Volunteer Programme

Program Details

The Aids orphanage and Hospice opened in July 2003 in Somerset West, Western Cape and provides residential care for up to 26 children (from birth to seven years) at any one time. They ensure that the children’s physical and medical needs are being attended to.

Their objective is to create self-sufficiency and competency for children and families living with HIV and AIDS, in order to reduce the incidence of AIDS-related child abandonment and neglect through:


• Palliative care for terminally ill children.
• Respite care for children who are acutely ill.
• Residential care for chronically ill abandoned babies and children
• Emergency place of safety.
• Implementation of Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV positive children.
• To recruit and screen families willing to care for special needs children, HIV positive children and children on ARV.

A fully qualified team staffs the hospice, working in shifts around the clock, supported by social workers, fundraisers and administrative staff. Three doctors from the Hottentots Holland Hospital have committed to doing ward rounds twice a week. There are also four honorary doctors that come in from their private practice to assess the children.

Accommodation

Volunteer accommodation is in shared apartments in the historic town of Stellenbosch. This wonderful vibey town has ample to do and great entertainment with 17 000 students, over 80 restaurants and pubs and being based in the centre of the wine producing area, the recipe is fun, beauty and adventure!

What will you do?

Volunteers assist the hospice staff by feeding, stimulating and playing with the children. They also assist with the transport of the children, taking the children that are well on outings, and any other general help or administration around the hospice.

Description of project activities:
• Residential care for up to 26 children at any one time, from birth to seven years who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and who cannot be cared for in the community.
• Emergency place of safety for children from birth to seven years, who have been abandoned, orphaned or abused. These children will be returned to the community in as short a time as possible through reunification with biological families, foster care or adoption. These children will only be accommodated if there are vacancies, preference will be given to terminally ill children.
• Holistic care, which incorporate physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and social development.
• Reunification or alternative community placement for children who are clinically well.
• Counseling and support services for caregivers and extended families.
• Funeral arrangements.
• Home based care: medical staff visiting families at home to ensure that children on ARV treatment are compliant.

Country:

South Africa, Western Province, Somerset West

Minimum Duration:

8 Weeks

Maximum Duration:

12 Weeks

Pictures

Past Volunteer Comments